SQL NOT NULL Constraint
The NOT NULL constraint ensures that a column must contain a value and cannot store NULL (empty) values.
In simple terms:
If a column is defined as NOT NULL, every record must have a value for that column.
This is used for mandatory fields in a table.
Why NOT NULL is Important
  • Ensures data integrity
  • Prevents missing important data
  • Enforces mandatory fields
Example: Orders Table
When creating an Orders table, some columns must always have data such as OrderID, CustomerID, and OrderDate.
Create Table Example
CREATE TABLE Orders (
OrderID INT NOT NULL,
CustomerID INT NOT NULL,
OrderDate DATE NOT NULL,
Amount DECIMAL(10,2),
Status VARCHAR(50)
);
Simple Definition
The NOT NULL constraint ensures that a column cannot contain NULL values and must always have a value when inserting or updating records.